Laced garment closure

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a device for opening, closing, and fastening articles that are normally fastened with laces. Such articles may be, but are not limited to, garments and footwear. The device has a pair of strips articulated at one end and releasably connected by a clasp mechanism at the other end, each one of the strips having a structure for connecting to the garment using lace eyelets of the garment.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to closure devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Garments typically fastened with laces have inherent drawbacks. To achieve the proper fit, one must properly tighten laces every time the garment is worn. A typical running shoe takes between 30 seconds and a minute to properly lace up, and 15 seconds to remove. If the shoe is not properly laced, it loses its benefits to the user. The user has to achieve optimal fit every time the garment is put on, and the fit can never be uniform. For children, overweight adults, people with arthritis and the elderly, tying one's shoes is a difficult task.

In the case of shoes, hook-and-loop type fastener straps are used to replace laces in some models and provide a faster mechanism than laces. These, however, are not widespread. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,117,567 to Berger (assigned to Puma, AG), a cable can be tightened from a knob with the cable passing through arc-shaped channels (taking the place of eyelets). Such mechanisms are used in some specialty athletic shoes and sports boots.

Devices that cooperate with regular lace-up shoes to make opening and closing are known in the art. None of such prior art devices have seen widespread use.

In U.S. Pat. No. 2,867,878 to Sundback, a zipper mechanism connects to a shoe's laces to allow for loosening and tightening of the shoe by use of the zipper. In a similar manner, U.S. Pat. No. 2,994,935 to Buchholz provides a slide mechanism actuating multiple laces guided through opening in a central body with hooks at the end of the laces to engage the shoe's lace eyelets without leaving conventional laces in place, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,918,840 to Nardulli provides a zipper shoe closure with loops to engage the shoe's lace eyelets.

In U.S. Pat. No. 2,637,087 to Forrester, a pair of resilient wire arms are connected to wing members having shoe eyelet engaging hooks. A toggle lever operated slide closure pulls the wires together to close the shoe.

In the case of shoes, the need to improve the ease of loosening and tightening a normally laced closure has been recognized for many decades.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It has been discovered that a pair of strips, each one of the strips engaging laced garment eyelets on one side of a garment opening, can be arranged to be in an open position with the garment loose and closed by pinching with a hand the strips together to be in one or more closed positions with the garment tight.

In footwear, the normally-laced closure in the shoe upper needs to conform to the shape of foot upper if a snug and comfortable fit is to be provided. It has also been discovered that essentially rigid strips that are jointed or articulated to pivot between open and closed positions can make use of the conformability of laces connected between the strips and the shoe to provide the needed conformability for a snug and comfortable fit.

It has also been discovered that a variable position clasp operating between strips can efficiently allow for changes between foot sizes, as occurs for example due to changes in socks.

In some embodiments, the strips are articulated at one end and have a clasp at the other end. In some embodiments, the strips each have at least one eyelet for receiving a lace tied between the strip and the garment. In some embodiments, a one-handed pinch action can be used to close the strips together and cause the clasp to engage in a locked position.

In some embodiments, the device operates on a garment where laces are typically located, and the device engages laces to releasably open and close the garment using the laces. The closed position can be a single closed position with the laces being adjusted with respect to the device for a proper, snug fit, or a variable closed position to provide for adjustability during use. The engagement between the device and the laces can be with a single eyelet or attachment point on the device or with a plurality of attachment points.

The present invention overcomes the weaknesses of prior art such as cost, fragility and complexity. It can be installed at the manufacturing level or after-market level by the consumer. The present invention can also be customized with an array of accessories such as a step counter, watch, or a light, and decorated with jewelry or bijouterie.

The present invention facilitates fastening of laced articles such as footwear. The present invention accelerates the fastening process, ensuring that every time the user puts on the garment, the fit and form of the garment is uniform to the user's preference. It also permits one-handed operation for attachment and removal of the garment, allowing the garment to open to its full capacity to accommodate the user, yet instantaneously closing as firmly and snugly as it would be closed had it been laced with conventional laces.

In addition, the present invention can add customizable elements: night joggers or children who have running shoes without blinking lights can add this valuable safety feature to any shoe. People can express their own individualism by adding a wide array of decorative items into the pre-formed attachment means on the present invention.

The present invention caters to everyone who does not have the time, desire or ability to tie shoe laces. In particular, it is adapted for the physically- or mentally-challenged user due to its simplicity and efficacy. It can be readjusted after installation to accommodate a bandaged limb, different sock thickness, and other conditions that may affect the size of the user's feet or hands.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention attached to a laced running shoe.

FIG. 2A is a partial oblique view from above of an upper part of the device of a first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2B is a plan view from above of the device of the first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective with a side detail of the embodiment of FIG. 4 with customizations.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the first embodiment with laces and a rubber band that holds a shoe tongue in its upper position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The invention comprises two substantially semi-rigid plates that are affixed firmly onto the shoe's upper portion either by permanent method at the shoe's manufacture or by the end-user using the shoe's own laces, or any other affixation means. The point of fixation is approximately in the region where shoelaces are usually laced into said shoe. In the insertion mode, the plates are apart thus permitting the shoe to extend to its maximum width. In the closed mode, user engages a retaining mechanism 42,44,45 on the plates 10,20 so that they are retained in close proximity to each other thus immobilizing the shoe on the user's foot.

To release, the user disengages the retaining mechanism and the plates are released into insertion mode. The user can then remove the shoe from her foot.

In the first embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1, fastening element 5, comprises left plate 10, right plate 20, a plate joining mechanism 30 and a retaining element 40. The left and right plates 10 and 20 are provided with holes 50 that are substantially oval or obround to accommodate different shoes which can have different distances between known shoe's lace holes 60, but can also be inter-aligned with a known shoe's lace holes 60. The oval holes 50 have a small tab to hold the laces in position. Customization or embellishments can be attached to top plate 10 via attachment means 51 or cavity 52 (see FIG. 4). The combination of the device and the shoe in the first embodiment also comprises known elements, namely laces 70, uppers 80 and shoe 90. The plates 10 and 20 can be made of plastic and either be rigid or allow for some flexion. They can also be made of a rigid material, such as aluminum.

As seen in FIG. 2A, left plate 10 has a tongue 15 that fits into a slot or groove 16. During the scissor-like motion of the members 15 and 16, alignment between plates 10 and 20 is ensured as the fastening device is opened and closed. As seen in FIG. 2B, a clasp or retaining element has a pawl 44 and a rack 45. While the clasp shown has a pawl and rack mechanism that is arranged on the top of the device, the clasp can also be arranged on the front of the device. In place of a rack, a single position clasp mechanism can be used. While it is preferred that the clasp be operable to lock with a single handed action, a hook-and-loop closure or snap closure requiring two hands may also be provided. It will also be appreciated that a suitable clasp can be provided by a ratchet knob mechanism, similar to what is implemented in U.S. Pat. No. 5,117,567 to Berger (assigned to Puma, AG).

The articulation or hinge of FIG. 2B is designed to allow the plates 10 and 20 to be easily assembled by inserting one in the other when the plates are opened to 90 degrees. Once closed to be within the operating angular range of 0 to 45 degrees, the joint 30 cannot be separated.

As a further alternative for the closure, as is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 1,933,467 to Yartyan teaches using a rack or hook receptacles on the shoe tongue. Such an arrangement can be modified to operate with the strips of the present invention to provide the clasp.

Referring back to FIG. 1, fastening element 5 is attached to shoe 90 by laces 70; laces 70 are interlaced through shoe 90′s lace holes (i.e. eyelets) 60 and plate holes (i.e. eyelets) 50 in such a manner that plates 10 and 20 are securely attached to upper portions of uppers 80. User customizes each shoe 90 by putting shoe 90 on her foot, setting fastening element 5 into closed position, unlacing all laces 70 from shoe 90, overlaying fastening element 5 over uppers 80 and lacing laces 70 through lace holes 60 and plate holes 50 in such a manner that fastening element 5 is snugly secured to uppers 80, and shoe 90 is properly set on user's foot. User then fastens lace 70 ends through the uppermost lace holes 50 (the two closely spaced circular holes) so that laces 70 are immobilized and cannot loosen. The pair of closely spaced apertures for tying loose ends of laces can alternatively be replaced by an external clamp device, as is known for use with laces. User can then undo retaining element 40 converting fastening element 5 into insertion mode and remove her foot. Laces 70 will remain in their positions, and the next time the user converts fastening element 5 to closed mode, laces 70 will be in their predetermined tension for proper shoe 90 fit.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the user may choose to close the device completely, namely with the pawl in the last position, while tightening the shoe well and wearing only a very thin sock. Thicker socks, swollen feet, or simply a desire to have a looser fit can all be accommodated by using a closed position of clasp 40 that is less tight.

Fastening element 5 is attached in such a manner that plate joint 30 is oriented towards the toe of shoe 90 with fastening element 5 firmly fastened to uppers 80.

The lacing method does not need to be as shown in FIG. 1. It will be appreciated that the lace passing through the first and/or second lace eyelets can cross the tongue without being opened and closed by the device 5. The device 5 can then be used to act on the upper eyelets. Passing the laces through the eyelets as shown in FIG. 1 has the ability to allow for some shifting of the uppers 80 relative to the plates 10, 20 to conform to the shape of the user's foot. This ability to allow the laces to slide within the holes 50 provides for a comfortable fit as the plates are adjusted in position for different levels of tightness. In this way, the tension on the eyelets 60 is essentially evenly distributed, even if the device changes its configuration while assuming different closed positions. However, a one-to-one connection between the shoe eyelets 60 and the plates 10, 20 is also possible.

FIG. 1 shows fastening element 5 in insertion mode, permitting uppers 80 to stretch to their maximum capacity thus allowing user's foot (not shown) to enter shoe 90. Referring to FIG. 2A, the fastening element 5 is in its first closed position. The tongue 15 and the slot 16 are arranged to keep the closed device with the plates correctly aligned. The closure 40 has a pawl with teeth 44 engaging a curved rack 45.

To convert from closed mode to insertion mode, a user pulls up hook 42 (FIG. 2 a) and releases the plates. Outwardly acting tension of the user's foot would push open fastening element to the maximum allowable width of uppers 80 (see FIG. 1) and the user would be able to remove her foot from shoe 90.

FIG. 3 is yet another embodiment with plate articulation 30 comprising a flexible member, and retaining element comprising teeth 44 and grooves 45.

FIGS. 4 and 5 demonstrate additional variants of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The fastening element comprises a unitary piece with plate articulation 30 comprising a bridge between left plate 10 and right plate 20. Customizations such as a light, pedometer, watch or any other small device 53 can be attached to attachment 51. Embellishment 54 such as jewelry or bijouterie can be inserted into cavity 52.

FIG. 6A shows how the lace passes through upper hole 65 from below, the lace leaves a loop before passing from the top through lower hole 66, after passing through lower hole 66, the lace passes through said loop, holding firmly the lace so said lace cannot slide from its desired adjusted position.

FIG. 6B shows how a rubber band is engaged onto plate 20 inner tab or hook 62 and plate 10 inner 62, passing through tongue loop 63, holding this way the tongue. This replaces the shoe's lace from passing through the tongue loop 63 in the conventional manner.

Many other variations of the present invention are possible. This invention is not limited to shoes and boots, but can be adapted to skates, gloves (e.g. ski gloves and boxing gloves), period garments such as corsets, space suits and protective gear such as firefighter garments, sports equipment, V-neck shirts and sweaters, and other items that are typically laced up.

The device, can be made of a malleable material, such as metal, a mix of rubber and metal, or any other malleable material so the device can be set up for use in a boot where it needs to be adjusted to two different surfaces like the laced part of the boot that covers the foot and the laced part that covers the ankle and leg. For this purpose, one can use also two non malleable devices having one attached of each of the surfaces.

The clasp mechanism can be made as illustrated in the different embodiments and also can be made using a rubber band, leather or fabric strip affixed to one of the devices strip, passing by one loop in the other devices strip and coming back to the strip it is attached to, letting the user close it or open it as in a regular belt or a wrist watch, or it can have a clamp or a jam cleat in order to adjust the two strips of the device together in different adjustment positions. Such a clamp or jam cleat clasp mechanism can make use of one or both of the free ends of laces, if desired.

The clasp mechanism can also be replaced or used in combination with Velcro® hook and loop type fastener, where the Velcro can be placed where the alignment structure of FIG. 2A is now, and then the Velcro can be used to hold the strips together in different adjustment positions. For example, if a Velcro attachment is used in the embodiment of FIG. 3 where the articulation permits flexion of the upper ends in the axial direction, then the Velcro can be applied on the front and back surfaces of the strips. Such a Velcro attachment maintains the strips in their closed position and also prevents any axial movement, and thus does not have an alignment structure in the strips or articulation.

The device can also be attached to the garment at the factory, having it sewn or glued to the garment in question by replacing the apertures on the strips with a structure that allows the device to be sewn or glued to the garment.

In the case of a shoe retailer, it is possible to use the present invention to have customers quickly try on new pairs of shoes by installing the device on the shoes and using a wide range of closed positions to accommodate most wearers of the shoe. This makes it faster and easier to try on a shoe. If the device is not installed at the factory, a shoe retailer may install the device in shoes in the store when the store is not busy and thus promote faster service to customers when the store is busy. The device can then be included in the sale price of the new shoes, sold separately, or removed from the laces by the salesperson or at the cash.

While a pivot articulation between semi-rigid strip members at one end with a clasp at the opposed end is illustrated in the above embodiments, it will be appreciated that different mechanisms for articulating or interconnecting the members between open and closed positions can be used, in fact, the semi-rigid strip members can be completely separated when a mechanism to join them exists at both ends, for example by a clasp mechanism. Furthermore, the strip members can be fully rigid, and the engagement with the laces of the garment can be with a single anchor point or eyelet or multiple on each strip member. 

1. A laced garment closure device comprising a pair of strips articulated at one end and releasably connected by a clasp mechanism at the other end, each one of the strips having a structure for connecting to the garment using lace eyelets of the garment.
 2. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the strips are essentially rigid.
 3. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the structure for connecting the garment using lace eyelets of the garment comprises a plurality of apertures.
 4. The device as claimed in claim 3, wherein said apertures terminate in a pair of closely spaced apertures for tying loose ends of laces.
 5. The device as claimed in claim 3, wherein at least some of said apertures are oval or obround so as to accommodate laces of different sizes.
 6. The device as claimed in claim 5, wherein said oval or obround apertures comprise a middle hook.
 7. The device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising an alignment guide for preventing axial misalignment between the pair of strips during articulated motion and in a closed position.
 8. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the clasp mechanism provides a plurality of closed positions.
 9. The device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the clasp mechanism comprises a rack and pawl mechanism cooperating between the pair of strips.
 10. The device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the rack is located on a top surface of one of the strips at said other end, and the pawl is resiliently biased against said rack to lock when the pair of strips are closed toward one another.
 11. The device as claimed in claim 9, wherein said rack and pawl mechanism comprises a figure pull for actuating of release of said pawl from said rack to open said device.
 12. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said strips are made of molded plastic material.
 13. The device as claimed in claim 12, wherein said device is molded as a single piece.
 14. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said strips are articulated by a pivot joint that allows said strips to be separated and joined when opened beyond an operational range of angular motion, and remain securely together for pivot action within the operation range of angular motion.
 15. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of said strips carry one or more of advertising, a light, a motion counter and ornamentation.
 16. In combination, a garment and a garment closure device comprising a pair of strips articulated at one end and releasably connected by a clasp mechanism at the other end, each one of the strips being connected to a side of a garment opening.
 17. The combination as claimed in claim 16, wherein said garment comprises lace eyelets disposed on each side of said garment opening, wherein said garment closure device comprises a pair of strips articulated at one end and releasably connected by a clasp mechanism at the other end, each one of the strips having a structure for connecting to the garment using lace eyelets of the garment.
 18. The combination as claimed in claim 17, wherein said structure for connecting to the garment using lace eyelets of the garment comprises eyelet apertures corresponding to eyelets of the garment.
 19. The combination as claimed in claim 17, wherein said garment is a shoe.
 20. The combination as claimed in claim 19, wherein said device is connected to a tongue of said shoe to hold said tongue in position while said device is open for insertion of a user's foot. 